The bigger bangs come with bigger risks, though, and the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety is encouraging people to exercise caution and use safe practices when igniting fireworks over the Fourth of July weekend.

Typical firework malfunctions include inconsistent flight paths, tip-overs and early or late ignitions. Police warn users of igniting fireworks too close to someone or something, setting them off improperly, modifying them and letting children use them.

Nationwide last year, 65 percent of all firework-related injuries occurred within 30 days of July 4, including injuries an estimated 1,000 children age 5 and under, according to a KDPS news release.

Here are some firework safety tips provided by KDPS:

Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.

Avoid buying fireworks that come in brown paper packaging; often, this can often be a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers.

Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.

Move away to a safe distance immediately after lighting.

Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not gone off or fully functioned.

Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.

Light one item at a time, then move away quickly.

After fireworks have gone off and fully functioned, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding, to prevent a trash fire.

Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

Know the risks. Prevent the tragedies. And, have an injury-free Fourth!